KINGSTON, R.I. – May 11, 2026 – Rhode Island Teacher of the Year Sarah Dully teaches English, not automotive, but her keynote address at the University of Rhode Island’s third annual Medallion Induction Ceremony had a distinctively motor-minded spin to it. Dully made her trusty 20-year-old car a theme for the night in her remarks to URI’s newest education graduates, who are embarking on their own journeys beyond the University.
An English and special education teacher at Narragansett High School, Dully was the keynote speaker for the April 27 event held at Edwards Hall celebrating this year’s 215 elementary and secondary teacher candidates and education majors.
URI President Marc Parlange also recognized the newest class of URI educators from URI’s Feinstein College of Education. “You’ve chosen a profession that has never been more important,” Parlange said. “Teaching is a powerful tool and the foundation for democracy. For many of you, it’s not just a profession, it’s a passion.”
A passion for teaching is certainly something Dully has, leading to her recognition by the Rhode Island Department of Education as Rhode Island’s 2026 Teacher of the Year. Known affectionately as “Dully” at Narragansett High, she helps students build skills and confidence to express themselves in any setting.
Dully also served this year as a clinical educator for graduating URI senior Sarah Christie, from New Jersey. Christie calls getting to work with Rhode Island’s Teacher of the Year for her senior year placement an incredible experience.
“Sarah Dully’s generosity and encouragement for me to succeed provided me with amazing opportunities that have a deep-rooted influence on the educator I hope to become,” Christie said. “Every day at Narragansett High School was truly fun. I woke up every day excited for what was to come, from playing a game to introduce students to The Crucible to being a part of a True Crime Studies research project convention. I will forever be grateful to URI for the kismet opportunity to work with Sarah. Her guidance and support have created a lifelong bond that will transcend my residency experience and extend well into my future career.”
In her remarks, Dully said URI’s mantra — “Think Big. We Do.” — is a good message for the new graduates to keep in mind when they leave Kingston. “It’s important to look back to see what you’ve started at URI and keep a new wider view beyond your classroom walls,” she said. “Always be prepared to adjust your mirrors, and your view, along the way.”
“Follow through,” she added. “Students notice and will match your investment.”
She also reminded the audience to “stay under the hood” in their professional lives with frequent checks to update professional development or maintain personal balance, or just to be a student again. Dully ended by reminding students to be themselves and bring their own unique personalities to their teaching: “Authenticity is not a performance. Be present, share your life and show up as yourself.”
New programs, new graduates
The evening saw the University graduate its first class of graduates in three new programs: Environmental Education, Early Childhood Education, and Project SUSTAIN, a URI master’s degree and certification in special education and dyslexia knowledge and practice funded by a $1.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs.
“We are excited to see all of our students enter into the awesome responsibility of teaching,” said Danielle Dennis, dean of the college. “They’ll always have a home in URI’s College of Education, even as they leave the safety of our University community.”
The evening also acknowledged this year’s clinical educators from across the state who have opened their classrooms to URI students this year. Many attended the evening to see their students officially launch their teaching careers.
“You opened your doors,” Dennis said. “We thank you for your mentorship of our newest teachers.”
Dennis presented the graduating students with their well-earned medallions, each bearing the state’s anchor seal and displaying Rhode Island’s motto of HOPE.
The College of Education will hold its commencement ceremony on May 17 at 1 p.m. in the Ryan Center on the Kingston Campus.